Tributes have poured in for Jewish DJ, producer and record label owner Simon Harris, who passed away on 13 February at the age of 63.
Frequently described as pioneering, legendary and an inspiration to many artists, Harris made an indelible mark on the UK music scene over his 50-plus year career.
Harris is perhaps best known for his 1988 Top 20 hit Bass (How Low Can You Go?). He began his career as a mobile DJ in his native Essex in the 1970s, where he quickly distinguished himself with his mixing skills, and had stints at Radio Forest Hospital Radio and working as a promoter.
In 1986, Harris launched Music of Life, an independent British hip hop and dance music label, with DJ Froggy, which has been widely credited with bringing new sounds to the UK music scene.
In a tribute posted on social media, former BBC Radio 1 DJ Dave Pearce said: “It’s so sad to have lost another pioneer in UK music.”
He added that Harris was “full of passion for music, a talented remixer and producer with great instinct and imagination in the studio” and that he was “lucky enough to enjoy many fun nights out with him back in the day”.
BBC 6 Music DJ and producer Tom Robinson called Harris a “pioneering producer” and “early architect of UK hip hop”.
Aside from his passion for music, mourners spoke of Harris’ kind and generous nature.
In an online tribute, Danny Donnelly, who runs Suburban Base Records, wrote: "Personally, I’m grateful to have had him as a friend. He was always encouraging and generous with his thoughts and time, and he constantly shared insightful perspectives.”
And, in an emotional post, songwriter and film producer Ian Levine wrote: “I'm completely torn up inside over the death of my dear lifelong friend Simon Harris.
"I have always called him ‘my little bubbela’. He sent me a message last week saying your little bubbela is very sick with advanced leukaemia. A friendship like that can never ever be replaced.”
I'm completely torn up inside over the death of my dear lifelong friend Simon Harris. I have always called him "my little bubbela". He sent me a message last week saying your little bubbela is very sick with advanced leukaemia. A friendship like that can never ever be replaced. pic.twitter.com/XpFYfJRsnZ
— Ian Levine (@IanLevine) February 14, 2026
Harris was born in Chigwell on 10 September 1962. In a 2020 interview he recalled that his music career began when his parents bought him a stereo system for his 13th birthday.
“There was a cassette deck, and of course I started playing around with the pause button, started doing pause button mixes – and got into audio, my interest in audio, from there,” he said, admitting: “I honestly didn’t know where I was going to go.”
To get more news, click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter.